Max objects are connected together using patch cords. There are three different types
of patch cords — those used for Max objects, audio patch cords used for MSP objects,
and Jitter patch cords. Each type of patch cord has a unique look.

In addition to straight point-to-point connections, Max patch cords can use a
curved style. Both straight and curved patch cords can be segment to aid in
the readability of a patch.

You can use the Max Preferences Window to set
curved
and
segmented
patch cords as your default setting when patching.

Patch cord connections you create as you patch will automatically be moved to the
background layer
of your Max patch when you lock it as an aid to readability.

In order to make patching easier, individual patch cords
are highlighted when you hover over them with the mouse in an unlocked patch.
Clicking on a highlighted patch cord will display green and red circular mark that
mark the start and endpoints of the patch cord. You can click on those circles and
drag to change the source or destination of a highlighted patch cord. In addition, you'll see a
patch cord contextual menu
button by right clicking on the patchcord. Bringing up the contextual menu you can use to perform several useful tasks.

Connecting Max objects

To connect two Max objects, click on the inlet or outlet of an object and drag
to the outlet or inlet or of another. When you release the mouse, the patch cord
connection will be created. You can also click on an inlet or outlet to create a connection point, release the mouse, then click on the inlet or outlet of the second object to make a connection.

If an object does not accept the kind of connection you are trying to make,
the object’s inlet will not expand when you mouse over it.

Making multiple connections from a single Max object

Shift-click on an inlet of an object when completing a connection. When the patch
cord you’re connecting appears, another patch cord will be created immediately for
the next connection.

Selecting multiple patch cords

Option-click (Macintosh) or Alt-click (Windows) and drag over an area
to select a patch cord or cords. They will be highlighted.

You may find it useful to use different colored patch cords to identify
different parts of your patch.

Changing the color of a patchcord

Click on a patchcord to select it. To select multiple patch cords,
option-click and drag (Macintosh) or control-click and drag (Windows).

Choose Colors... from the Contextual menu by right clicking on the patchcord to show the
Color Picker.

Select the color you wish to use or enter the color values. The
color of the patchcord(s) will change to match your selection.

Segmented Patch Cords

By default, you can draw a straight- or curved-line patch cord when connecting
objects together. The type of patch cord depends on the kind of Max objects being
connected (Max, MSP, or Jitter).

Max also lets you draw segmented patch cords — connections that
have joints or corners. You can have both kinds of patch cords in the same patch, and
convert one kind of patch cord to another. Macintosh or Control-clicking anywhere on Windows.

Although segmented patch cords redraw a little more slowly when selected or deselected,
a segmented patch cord functions exactly like a straight one—it doesn’t take up any additional
memory when a patch is loaded, or have any effect on the order in which messages are sent
from and received by objects in a patch.

Creating segmented patch cords

Choose Segmented Patch Cords from the Options menu. The menu item will be checked. Click
on the outlet of an object, click at each point where you want the patch cord to bend, and then
click on the inlet of the other object. The adjust the shape of a segmented patch cord, click
on a segment so select it and click and drag the segment with the mouse.
You can make your patch look neater by
aligning patch cord connections,
too

Correcting a segmented patch cord while you draw

Option-click (Macintosh) or Alt-click (Windows) to erase the most recent patch cord line
segment. To remove a patch cord completely, command-click (Macintosh) or control-click (Windows)
anywhere in the Patcher window.

Drawing a single segmented patch cord

If the Segmented Patch Cords option is not checked in the Options menu,
hold the Shift key down when clicking on an outlet. The next patch cord you draw
will be segmented.

Drawing a single straight patch cord

If the Segmented Patch Cords option is checked in the Options menu, hold the
Shift key down when clicking on an outlet. The next patch cord you draw will be straight.

Shift-click on an outlet before you begin drawing your patch cord. The next connection
you make from this outlet will use an unsegmented patch cord.

Disabling patch cord auto-connection

Hold down the control key if you are making a segmented patch cord and want to
make a corner over an object. The normal auto-connection feature will be disabled.

Getting rid of a segmented patch cord connection you’re making

Command-click (Macintosh) or Control-click (Windows) while making a segmented patch cord.
The patch cord you are working with will be removed.

Getting rid of a segmented patch cord segment you’re making

Option-click (Macintosh) or Alt-click (Windows) while making a segmented patch cord. The
last segment will be removed

Adding patch cord segments and aligning connections

Control-click (Macintosh) or right-click (Windows) on any patch cord in an unlocked
Patcher window in Patcher or Presentation mode. When the patch cord contextual menu appears,
choose Align from the menu. If the patch cord is straight, it will be replaced by a segmented
patch cord. Max will also try to align patch cord connections so that patch cords don't
overlap Max objects.

Hiding patch cords in Patcher mode

While the
Presentation Mode
of Max is ideal for creating user
interfaces for your patch, it’s sometimes simpler to merely hide certain
objects and patch cords in your patch whenever the patch is locked mode.

Hiding and revealing patch cords in Patcher mode

Option-click (Macintosh) or Alt-click (Macintosh) and drag to select
the patch cords you want to hide or reveal and choose Hide on Lock from the Object menu.
Any selected patch cords or objects will be invisible when the Patcher window is locked.
To reveal patch cords that are currently hidden on lock, select the patch cords and choose
Show on Lock from the Object menu. Any selected patch
cords will once again be visible when the Patcher window is locked.